Hypotonia

Definition

Hypotonia means decreased muscle tone.

Alternative Names

Decreased muscle tone; Floppy infant

Considerations

Hypotonia is often a sign of a worrisome problem. The condition can affect children or adults.

Infants with this problem seem floppy and feel like a "rag doll" when held. They rest with their elbows and knees loosely extended. Infants with normal tone tend to have flexed elbows and knees. They may have poor head control. The head may fall to the side, backward, or forward.

Infants with normal tone can be lifted with the adult's hands placed under the armpits. Hypotonic infants tend to slip between the hands.

Causes

Muscle tone and movement involve the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Hypotonia may be a sign of a problem anywhere along the pathway that controls muscle movement. Causes may include:

Brain damage, due to lack of oxygen before or right after birth, or problems with brain formation

Home Care

Take extra care when lifting and carrying a person with hypotonia to avoid causing an injury.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The physical exam will include a detailed examination of the nervous system and muscle function.

In most cases, a neurologist (specialist in brain and nerves) will help evaluate the problem. Geneticists may help diagnose certain disorders. If there are also other medical problems, a number of different specialists will help care for the child.

Which diagnostic tests are done depends on the suspected cause of the hypotonia. Most of the conditions associated with hypotonia also cause other symptoms that can help in the diagnosis.